For the shoes alone, sometimes I wished that I was alive back in the 1910’s-30’s. Seeing that Gatsby-esque model on the left makes me understand how truly far behind we have become and how much more amazing and unique shoes were (in terms of the slight differences to the standard, that set the shoes apart). Let me rephrase that. In this day, we are able do so much more through technology and the use of new materials, but yet we seem to do so much less (in terms of tastefully stepping outside of the norm – we either go way too gaudy or stick to the simple stuff). It’s hard to explain what I am saying without writing a novel but allow me to try. These days you get some adventurous designers (assuming that we are talking about classic men’s dress shoes), but the majority of them stick to the norm: cap toes, wing tips, full brogues etc., without trying to bend the lines (no pun intended) and create something slightly different. But when have you ever seen a spectator (co-respondent) done like this? Never! Or a boot with that green suede detailing like that. It’s different, yet still incredibly elegant. Every line on these old Crockett & Jones handmade beauties, is to sheer perfection. I have never ever seen a more elegant welt stitch. And that was done by hand!!!! Don’t get me wrong, I love the shoes made today, but every time I see shoes from some English firm’s archives, I get more and more impressed by the level of craftsmanship and design differentiation that I see….
the c and j are magnificent, better than anything ive seen in italy, how would you wear them, maybe with chinos and a b lazer to take away the idea of the boss look
That’s why I like Pierre Corthay’s shoes so much. He dares.
In terms of collor I feel it’s the other way around.
And while iv’e been looking around to pick upp a nice brown sude chucka I have come to realise that bellow £400 they are all (exept för Carmina) very similar in design (C&J, Foster & son, New & Lingwood eaven George Cleverly’s Rtw). While in the upper price zone (J.L.P., E.G, Corthay, G&G) the design is less conservative and more “new thinking”.
Superchick, I was just about to say “magnificent” myself! That is clearly the “bon mot” in this instance!
It’s a lesson to every modern manufacturer I think: attention to detail, pride in one’s work, and an aspiration to beauty and perfection in all things. Heck, not just to manufacturers: these shoes are a lesson to mankind!
Not really much point in this competition. Everyone can just have their shoes shined by a pro and send in some pictures…
@AFJ Rather a pointless comment!!
Superchick – why would you ask me how I would wear them when you criticize everything I wear, you are the expert!!
Marcus L. – He does dare, and that’s why he is a great!
Alex B – thanks for sharing
AFJ – paying to have your shoes shined by a ‘pro’ would probably cost the same amount as just buying my products. It kind of defeats the purpose of winning something for ‘free.’ so in reality that would be quite stupid….here’s to hoping that people don’t do stupid things.
-Justin
AFJ,
Paying £20 for shoe cleaning to win £12 worth of products would surely be a pyrrhic victory. Justin’s competition is, as he says, based upon an honour system.
Regards,
Snapper
1) If you know the right people in London you can easily get a proper shine for as little as three to five quid
2) If you shine your shoes yourself youll need the right equipment, wax, brush, cotton etc and will easily cost more than Justin’s product
Brgds
AFJ – It’s surprising how negative you are being, you usually are not like this. But since you are, allow me to counter your argument.
1. This is not right. Nobody in London, nor the world for that matter, is going to do the shine (say on #5 who is winning) for 3-5 quid. Doesn’t exist, unless they are your mate and doing you a big favor. If you are referring to the various shine stands around London, well they are not going to perform the shine that it takes to win this contest. That’s for sure.
2. I think that you forget where you are commenting. This is a shoe blog, whose customer base are all shoe enthusiasts, which means they don’t need to go and buy that stuff to participate because they already have it. And no, wax, water and old cotton t-shirt (all you really need to make a spit n shine) does not cost more than the give-away prize!
If you don’t appreciate the contest, than don’t participate but no need to try and cut it down…
-Justin
Note that similar spectators are still available via Ben Silver.
Nick – Yea, I have seen those before, and even if they are a derivative of the shoe above, to me they are many miles different….. thanks though
-Justin
My humble opinion, footing on personal experience, is: before deciding about the right tools to be employed for the right treatment, one should be aware of the leather and basic regular maintenance for its health; what’s the point in having that parade gloss on an ill treated material? Wrote these lines as an owner of Bally, Allen Edmonds, Crockett Jones, Flli. Rossetti, Handmacher’s used for the last decade, average, from 18yrs old J.Lobbs to real vintage Davies & Son…All evidently used, featuring healthy frames and original, well kept soles.
All preserved with 99p brushes, leather soap, grease, pigment, industrial alcohol, lighter and old t-shirts, 20 quids? Hilarious, mind me